Ralph Rucci had been designing clothes for 20 years, before he became visible on the radar after becomming the first American since Mainbocher to be invited to participate in the Paris haute couture. Rucci makes little distinction between his couture and ready-to-wear collections, often developing techniques in the former that he later adapts and applies to his more affordable collection. The name of his company, Chado Ralph Rucci, refers to the Japanese tea ceremony, whose qualities, such as tranquility and grace, inspire his work.

Object Number: 2005.57.1

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
Seventh Avenue at 27 Street
New York City 10001-5992